How Do I?                                                                                                                 

Get a library card?

You can register for a free library card if you live or work in York County, have a student ID from a York County college, or have a library card with an Access PA sticker.  Residents should bring their PA driver's license or some other identification that has a current street address to any York County Library System library. (Sorry, a PO Box is not sufficient.)  Cards may be issued to persons of any age; however a parent or guardian must be present to sign the registration application of children 12 and under.

You can register, get a library card, and check out books the same day. York County Library System card may be used at any York County Library System library.

Renew my card online?

Click here and fill out the renewal form. Renewal may take up to 3 days. We will contact you via email when your card is ready for use.  You may also renew your card by telephoning your library directly or by stopping by your library. If you have purchased a non-resident card, you must visit the library to renew your card and pay the renewal fee.

Find local library hours?

Click here for library hours.

Find circulation policies?

Click here for York County Library System borrowing policies.

View my account online?

If you have an active library card, you are able to access your patron record online at any time. Once you have logged into your account, you can see what items you currently have checked out, renew your items, and check the status of your holds and any unpaid fines and bills.

To view your account, click on the Catalog button found on most web pages. In the upper right section of the Catalog screen, click on My Record.  Type your last name in the Your Name text box and your library card barcode (no spaces) in the Barcode text box and then click on the Submit button.

Renew a book or other item?

You can renew books in person at any library or by telephone during library hours. You can also renew books online. Click here for our catalog, then click on My Record. Log in and then click on Items currently checked out.  Click on the Renew All button or check the items that you want to renew and click on the Renew Selected button. You may renew your items twice.  Please note: If the item is on hold for someone else, or if you have renewed it twice already,  you will not be able to renew the item. 

Place a hold? 

To place a hold on an item owned by the York County Library System, click here for the online catalog.  Search for the item you want.  When you find it, click on the Request button near the top of the page.  On the next screen enter your last name and barcode (no spaces) and choose a pickup location.  Click on Submit.  You should get a confirmation screen telling you that your request was successful.  If you have problems, call your local library for help.

Holds can also be placed in person at any library or by telephone during library hours. There is a limit of 2 pending requests at any one time.  This includes holds placed on items owned by York County libraries as well as requests for materials from outside the county.  

Request a book from outside the library system?

Interlibrary Loan is available at any of the York County Libraries.  You can call or visit your local library to have the request placed for you, or you can request the item online.  For more information on online requests, click here.  

There is a limit of 2 pending requests at any one time.  This includes holds placed on items owned by York County libraries as well as requests for materials from outside the county.

Register for a program?

Some of the programs at York County Libraries require registration; some do not.  Registration requirements are noted in the online Events Calendar.  You may register in person or by phone with the library hosting the program.  Some programs also allow you to register online.  For information on registering online, click here.

Get an answer to a question?

If you have a question that is specific to your library or your account, contact your library. 

The Information Services Desk at Martin Library is standing by to answer reference questions. They can also tell you what is available for your more in-depth research needs.  They can be reached at 717-846-5300, ext. 226 or 227.

For answers to general questions on just about any topic, click here for Ask Here PA - the 24/7 Reference Chat.  Chat online with a real librarian--one to one in real time.

General questions about the website and the Library System are welcome here. 

Use a computer?

All libraries in the York County Library System have at least 2 public computers with printing capabilities.  Larger libraries have many more. The length of time that you may use a computer varies by library. All libraries offer free Internet access, plus all computers are equipped with Microsoft applications.  CDs, DVDs, thumb drives, and other external media may be used, however, the installation of programs is not allowed.  Please check in at the library desk before using a computer.

Find a wireless connection?

All libraries in the York County Library System have high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building.  Please check in at the library desk and let the library know that you will be using a wireless connection (for statistical purposes).

Arrange to have a test proctored?

Proctoring is available at many of the York County libraries. See the chart to find a site at which to take your exam. Please let the library know if your test requires a computer. This may impact whether or not the library can offer this service.

Volunteer?

Volunteers answer questions and phone calls, check books in and out, locate and shelve library materials, serve in Friends groups, assist staff, and support the libraries in countless ways.  Some donate their time and talent by reading stories or conducting programs.  Many spend hours sorting and organizing items for used book sales.  Others stitch for hours, creating quilts for raffles or knitting Christmas stockings sold in the library to support library operations.

Contact the library for which you wish to volunteer.  All library positions, including Volunteer positions, require a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and a PA Criminal Background Check. Please click here for instructions.

Get a job at a library?

Library jobs and their requirements are posted here.  All library positions require a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and a PA Criminal Background Check. Please click here for instructions.

Donate books?

Please bring items in during library hours.  Books may be added to the collection or sold in a book sale benefiting the library. Please read the guidelines for donating materials.  For a list of libraries that accept books and other materials, click here.

Find a book sale?

For a list of book sales, click here.